Gordon, regarding naming terminology, I just want to point out that the word "system" doesn't mean "interchangeable lenses". In coming up with a name for these cameras, let's not redefine the English language, okay? I don't mean to hijack the thread, but either "Large-Sensor Compact" or "Advanced Compact Camera" is a more meaningful name for this group than Compact System Camera. The word "system" is vague and can be assigned any meaning.

I'll be happy to see more RAW images in your reviews! If you mean to post the actual RAW file, that won't be much use since your readers won't have the conversion software. However, posting some JPGs that have been converted from RAW would be very useful. They won't be so useful, however, if you use the default settings of the conversion software, since those settings are often the same as the in-camera settings. My vote is that you use your judgement in deciding how to fix up those images, the idea being that you are showing us the best possible image quality from the camera you are reviewing. If you don't want to introduce your judgement as a variable, then I think you should post the images without any adjustments, such as sharpening.

Please continue all further discussion about whether the term CSC (Compact System Camera) should be widened to include large sensor compacts with fixed lenses in the new thread Should "CSC" also be used for large sensor compact. It's an interesting idea but not one that should be pursued in this thread. Thanks.

I have just had a good look at the flickr images and they certainly look impressive, the dof is there. It certainly looks more like images from a DSLR than a Compact when comparing some of the images from the S95 to the G1 X. Its great being able to compare the same images directly from the two cameras.

My wife has claimed ownership of the S95, she loves it and takes it everywhere.

I am looking for a camera like this, I don`t want to buy into another system that involves buying varies lenses. The 7D its a big thing to carry around and while its great for chasing wildlife, I often find myself taking off the 70-300 to fit other lenses. I have thought about buying a second body just to avoid this. A 600D with a 17-55 would be ideal.

For most general photography including family stuff this would do nicely. I am on a budget this year, so need to decide what I need more this or a new tripod.

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With a couple of focus tracking tests up on the G1 X sample movies page would anyone care to comment about how good (or bad) the AF is at tracking during movie mode? I haven't really followed the evolution of movie modes but it seems to my uneducated eye that while it may be leisurely the AF isn't so aggressive that it results in hunting and the end result isn't too bad.

I went back today, and handled the G1X. I like the way it fills my right hand, and feels secure in my grip. The menu is somewhat like my Canon DSLR menus. I really do wish it did not have a zoom lens! A fixed focal length would have been my preference, in the manner of a Fuji X100. I reckon the G1X is on my "maybe, someday" list.

The +/- 3 EV for HDR's on the G1X has really got me interested. I would have liked to see more stops in the auto bracketing, but that's just nit-picking.

I tried to order the camera via Amazon and they're still stating it won't be released until March 31st. A wait like that is liable to kill a camera nut like myself. I suppose it's a good thing, I will have to upgrade to Lightroom 4 in order to have RAW file compatibility anyway.

Anyone have a try at the in-camera HDR as compared to taking 3 separate images? Wondering how it's looking.

Thanks Gordon, its great to see the comparison to the G12/S95 sensor and the 600D, just to compare the sensors to what I am used to with the S95 and 7D. It certainly delivers in picture quality.How is its focusing system? Is it more DSLR like or more P&S like, the S95 can be a bit slow and it really could be a bit more responsive.I also don`t like the delay between seeing something on the live view screen and pushing the button and taking the picture. Aside from everything else, I am happy to accept compromises, but that is what annoys me about the P&S the most.How do you find the responsiveness in various P&S, CSC and compacts is this regard, is there some that stand out better than other? such as the Sony nex`s?I think its fairly important, how do you value that responsiveness in your reviews, what are your personal thoughts on this ?

Excellent Review Gordon, you left no stone unturned and I really appreciate that. Recently my G12 fell victim to theft so in replacing it I'm heavily considering the G1X over the G12. Lots of food for thought from your review. Having been heavily invested in Canon products for the past few years, especially in familiarity with the Gx line and having Canon Speedlites, I feel more weighted to the Canon, but that GX1 is tempting.

You're absolutely right about the horrible continuous speed. It seems like it's plagued the Gx line forever and I was really hoping they would have improved it with the G1X. The loss of macro options is a real bummer too. Shooting macro with my 5D Mk II is superb IQ, but takes a lot of setup, tripod, etc. so I reach for my Gx a lot of the time for simplicity and spontaneity. Guess that's out.

The sample images you got as jpegs right out of the camera are really impressive in IQ (viewed your originals on Flickr)! Looks like auto WB did well and the colors look natural and nicely saturated.

I don't know, I'm really torn about it for all the reasons you put forth in your review.